Congress is responsible for passing annual appropriations to fund government agencies. If Congress neglects to pass funding bills, government agencies are forced to shut down. Follow all of Federal News Radio's government shutdown coverage from the past several years.

UPDATED OCT. 16, AT 2:47 P.M. WITH NEW RESPONSES, PHOTOS AND AUDIO
COMMENTS.

Federal News Radio invited federal employees to share their thoughts on Congress,
the shutdown and what you plan to do while you're furloughed via Facebook,
Twitter, email
or comments on our Shutdown soundoff page.

Below you will find reader responses with comments from Facebook in gray, Twitter
in red, email in blue and story comments in black. We will be updating this page
daily.

We're also accepting your shutdown photos from across the country (and around the
world)! Send us an email. Be
sure to include the
photographer's name so that we can give proper photo attribution. We will be
adding new photos to the gallery every day.

You can also call Federal News Radio's Comment Line at (202) 274-4806, to leave an
audio response. These messages may be used on the radio as part of Federal News
Radio's continuing shutdown coverage.

And now, here are your comments:

Mike Bryant: I haven't seen anything new about back pay...
Oct. 16 at 2:04 p.m. - Via Facebook

Cris Martinez: Right now just alot of BLAH BLAH BLAH. DO
WHAT YOUR GETTING PAID TO DO & STOP THE GAMES AT OUR EXPENSE. STOP WITH THE BAND
AIDES.
Oct. 16 at 1:23 p.m. - Via Facebook

Geoffrey Miller: So we look forward to another furlough in
about four months?
Oct. 16 at 12:47 p.m. - Via Facebook

kaykow13: but will the house and the president go for it?
Oct. 16 at 11:01 a.m. - Via Twitter

Gregory L. Treible: Thank YOU for shining some light on
this issue. Its been a big concern for me during this #shutdown.
Oct. 16 at 9:47 a.m. - Via Twitter

kaykow13: I've heard that story before and it hasn't
happened
Oct. 16 at 8:44 a.m. - Via Twitter

P Scott Schlitte: unless the govt figures a way to stop
spending more than they bring in these budget fights will be a regular thing...
Oct. 15 at 5:11 p.m. - Via Facebook

Lisse Kono: they just wanna keep dragging this.....
absolutely ridiculous!!!! (only silver lining is that people have very short-term
memories and they wanna bring this mess to the mid-term elections!!!)
Oct. 15 at 10:52 a.m. - Via Facebook

Jeanne Zaleski Moisa: That's no deal. We get to suffer all
over again in January?? Really GOP do your job for the whole year the way your
supposed to!!!'
Oct. 15 at 10:46 a.m. - Via Facebook

Lisa Lisa: beyond angry. Angry that GOP HORs did it and
don't take ownership for it. My sweet revenge will be on election day-count it
Oct. 15 at 10:39 a.m. - Via Twitter

Frustrated: I think this tug of war has gone on long
enough. There are Feds who solely depend on their pay checks and this situation is
a struggle for them. The senate, congress, president and any one else in this tug
of war game are making decision that affect the financial lives of hard working
people. None of them are giving any thought to what we are going through, because
they are still getting their pay checks on time. Creditors are not going to hold
off much longer for us. If this keeps up all federal workers will be in shelters
and on food stamps. Somebody needs to give in and end this. They all can't be
winners in this political game.
Oct. 15 at 8:12 a.m. - Via Email

kaykow13: yes and the house will reject it. wish the
#governmentshutdown would end
Oct. 15 at 8:11 a.m. - Via Twitter

Lisa Lisa: I think the damage is done globally. Who would
want to do business with the US after 4 yrs of this crap?
Oct. 15 at 7:53 a.m. - Via Twitter

Carrie Osman: Heh, if I get sick I'll just come to work
sick. Vacation? That's a LAUGH, most of us can't even pay our rent/mortgage right
now.
Oct. 14 at 3:14 p.m. - Via Facebook

Vicki Botsko: The definition of "excepted" employee sure
has been stretched to the max and overused this time. It used to apply to
emergency personnel only. Now it's being applied to suit management's emergency of
the moment.
Oct. 14 at 2:28 p.m. - Via Facebook

Carrie Osman: I was struggling BEFORE all of this started,
and now I can see the abyss that I'm going to fall into if things aren't resolved
soon - like yesterday. I've been having crying jags on and off for the last week
because I'm scared, unsure and I don't know how I'm going to live. I can't file
for unemployment because I'm "essential and still on the job (without pay) and I
can't find a part-time job because I can't get permission from my agency to work
elsewhere - they're all furloughed. What the hell am I supposed to do?

Anonymous: It is ironic that now the public seems to be
concerned about the Federal Employee, just a year ago the president and media
blamed the economic down turn on the Feds. Congress agreed and for the past three
years there have been no pay increases. Feds were accused of being overpaid and
non productive. I don't know where the media got the information to support their
idea that feds were overpaid, they certainly didn't come out to the field and talk
with employees and make actual comparisons other wise they would know that only in
a few cases do feds pay match the private sector.

Watching the media now I'm wondering how long it will be before they begin to
castigate the federal employee again, it won't be long.

My frustration is with the lack of any attempt by the president and congress to
actually work together on this.
Oct. 11 at 10:37 p.m. - Via Email

marykellogg: Tired of being thrown under the bus.
Sickening that congressmen/senators get their check!
Oct. 11 at 3:31 p.m. - Via Twitter

Stacey Thomas: It is so disgraceful the way obama ans his
cronies treat our veterans!
Oct. 11 at 2:02 p.m. - Via Twitter

Thomas Murphy: most Feds aren't worried about getting a
COLA in FY14. An actual budget and lifting the shutdown would be nice!
Oct. 11 at 12:42 p.m. - Via Twitter

Lisa Lisa B I think that's a crock. We R shutdown-it
should be shut down. Will force citizens to rise up and get in their politicians
rear
Oct. 11 at 8:58 a.m. - Via Twitter

Anonymous: It's day 11 (I believe) and trying to
understand what our leaders are doing in the name of democracy. I am now thinking
beyond myself - how the furlough is affecting us all. like everyone has pointed
out - we have bills to pay etc, most importantly, we have work to do. I am part
of the financial team in my agency and as you all know worked to the 9th hour to
expend FY13 funds.

We have a cafeteria in my building, I am thinking of all the food that was ordered
before the shut down (no matter how small the quantity) - these I assume will have
to be tossed. I assume the cafeteria gets weekly supply from a company or
companies - these will be on hold - someone is not getting paid. The cafeteria
workers, the janitorial staffs and other contractors, how are they coping?

I have been walking a lot and this picture was taking around the Laurel Lakes in
Laurel - beautiful sunset.

Bill Young: People are assuming that we will be running
back to our jobs once the shutdown ends. But how many of us are fed up with the
pay freezes, the withholding of our awards that we have already earned, desk
sharing, manipulation of reports, orders to hide the Dysfunction of the IRS from
the press, for a measly $96,000 a year that is well below the current job market?
When the call comes, congress will find that there will be no one home.
Oct. 10 at 1:42 p.m. - Via Facebook

Anonymous: Here's another group of the affected that are
in the shadows and affected very negatively. I had a scheduled Entry on Duty
(EOD) to Federal Service on Oct 6th. Provided my then current employer with the
standard 2 week notice of resignation. Oct 1st I receive email from agency HR
advising my EOD is delayed until whenever. Advised to stay with my current
employer on my last day of work. Yes, my then current employer would be really
thrilled to provide a 2 week handout for a departing employee. RIGHT! Didn't
happen.

Now I can't even apply for unemployment because I left employment by choice. To
make matters even worst I relocated from state to another state at my own expense
for job.

STOP PLAYING POLITICS WITH OTHER PEOPLES LIFE. EVERYONE DOESN'T HAVE MASSIVE
SAVINGS TO LIVE OFF!!!!
Oct. 10 at 12:29 p.m. - Via Email

Tom Lacko: I am SO SICK of being a pawn in the federal
government. I will be retiring the FIRST DAY I'm elegible!
Oct. 10 at 12:21 p.m. - Via Facebook

Joey Zuraski: I think they're going to default one way or
another. I hope they don't default as every american will be affected. People are
joking at the matter without looking at what the outcome will be tomorrow that
will affect them.

Mirena Heigh: I'm a contractor. I'm just ready to go back
to work. I got bills to pay. The only thing keeping my mind off this shutdown is
school. Republicans need to stop trying blackmail the President and re-open the
government.
Oct. 10 at 11:46 a.m. - Via Facebook

Sherry Burgess Johnson: I called my credit union about my
mortgage. basically, their response was too bad. I think this entire thing is
ridiculous. If they are going to pay the feds anyway, just let them come back to
work. Why should we be the pawns in Boehner's game. This is crazy.
Oct. 10 at 9:58 a.m. - Via Facebook

Cris Martinez: Well some are willing to work with you while
others like utilities are not. It's worse for a single parent like myself holding
down a mortgage, car, utilities, loans, sons medication, etc on just one pay
check. Working for the Gov't isn't what it used to be when I came on in late 80's.
No more security & they treat you like garbage. The politicians & reporters make
us appear as lazy unproductive people but it's those at the higher levels as you
can see who are the worthless & over paid Gov't employees. Why should they be
exempt from anything that we're going through. I was furloughed for 6 days all
summer when there was money to pays us. I lost more than one pay checks worth. Now
here I am again unemployed this time for 3 1/2 days called back to work but no one
knows if I'll get paid. So what was the F'ing point? I spent 3 1/2 days calling
creditors to make sure as a single parent I don't lose what I've worked hard all
my life to get because if a bunch of overpaid, arrogant & worthless politicians
who should be unemployed just like me.
Oct. 9 at 11:45 a.m. - Via Facebook

Vicki Botsko: So they're up there doing everything and
anything EXCEPT what they ARE supposed to be doing? Good, well I'll be sure to
tell my mortgage and car payment people that ...
Oct. 9 at 9:09 a.m. - Via Facebook

Jessica McNeil: They need to resolve this whole thing and
stop with the small bits! RT @FedNewsRadio: The Federal Worker Pay Fairness Act
would (1/3)
Oct. 9 at 4:30 a.m. - Via Twitter

P. Scott Schlitte: 1) doesn't matter as the Senate will
shoot it down. 2) it all seems like a paper game in that regardless of shutdown or
default, etc they still manage to keep spending/printing money. So isn't it really
just scare tactics and some get screwed while others get paid regardless? Need to
cut Congress/Executive Branch till they fix this
Oct. 8 at 8:22 p.m. - Via Facebook

Christine Farrell Page: what about the backpay for those
that were furloughed over the summer?
Oct. 8 at 5:53 p.m. - Via Facebook

John Mccormick: Send money they don't care about what we
are going through!!!!!!
Oct. 8 at 1:06 p.m. - Via Facebook

Zipper Viloski: If they know they are going to pay everyone
later, let them go back to work now and get the work of the government done.
Paying later is another waste of federal funds.
Oct. 8 at 9:52 a.m. - Via Facebook

Stephanie Clipper: Since day one, a recurring theme with
this president has been his refusal and reluctance to come out of his WH bubble
and meet with conservatives on the Hill. They have found this baffling, and Jack
Welch recently cited this type of contact as critical in negotiation. Apparently,
it was deemed necessary that the President have a signature program so that
history would treat him well, even though Hillary Clinton risked political ruin
for mounting a similar effort--and failed in delivering it. The ACA could've been
a process with input from a number of important sectors spanning years of careful
planning. Instead it was drafted as a labyrinthine document and sent to the Hill
as a package -- akin to force majeure. Now, the very people who were alienated
from the development process are trying to stop it, a runaway train. What price
are we paying for this signature program? Now it appears that the President, his
handlers (!), and conservatives (House, Senate) are dug in until the 17th. A CR
could've been passed to cover us from the 1st through 17th, since no one was
apparently ready to come to the table until then anyway. This means that nothing
will be done in the coming days until the economy starts to tank and someone makes
the first move. Until then, we as a nation have come to the point where people
struggling with cancer, visiting national parks, and trying to care for at-risk
children, do not count at all. Even a tanked economy has become part of the
political dance, a reason for someone to make a first move. And Feds, with our
"cushy" jobs--with various oversights and strictures and frozen salaries--now live
in an almost-constant state of year-round shutdowns and shutdown threats. We are
now told that apparently we are being punished because we, too, did not melt
during the economic meltdown, even when most of us were affected by it. And to
whom do we appeal? To our overlords and gaolers?
Oct. 8 at 8:23 a.m. - Via Email

Furloughed ESSENTIAL Employee: So here I sit on Day 7
working and I know I have to come in on Day 8 --- yet the non-essentials will get
back pay; so why are they NOT working then? They will be getting paid anyway -
make em work like the rest of us. After all it won't make a difference on the
outcome.

I do NOT know when I will get paid but I do know I have bills to pay; how am I
going to do that if I don't have a check, not sure about the rest of you but
unfortunately its paycheck to paycheck in my household we are retired military
(which by the way is not what it was promised) and both federal employees.

There is no guidance out there every agency is doing their own thing the things
that are truly shutdown are amazing and a bit of a rampage from one side ---- if
you are going to shut us down then do it don't just do a little.

YEAH I am venting I am annoyed and getting more and more so every day that goes by
with this stalemate its ABSURD!!!!

Finally not a single one of them should ever hold a public office ever again!!!

Extremely Disgruntled: I work at one of the largest
departments in the government. Because of the funding we receive for our
programs, my group is furloughed only one day a week. Last week I felt fortunate
that I was at least working 4 days a week, until I learned that those who are
fully furloughed will get paid for not working, while I am working.

This makes no sense to me that the Federal Government is willing to shut down the
government and then always vote to backpay those who are not working. It is bad
enought that there are added costs to shut down, and bring back up the government,
but there is also the cost of paying salaries for no work. How can this possibly
make sense to Congress? Why don't they just continue their debates while folks
are working for their pay?

Let folks get back to work and stop wasting my tax dollars!
Oct. 7 at 4:46 p.m. - Via Email

A Fed Up, Furloughed, Essential Employee: I'm here
starting Day 6 of the shutdown as an "Excepted Employee", and we just got news
that we might be working Columbus Day 10/14, and not getting paid for it. What is
the incentive to work hard and do a great job for the government? You'll be
deemed Essential, and will have to come to work to do not only your job, but all
of your neighbor's jobs; while your slack, bum neighbor, who doesn't perform on
normal days, gets a paid vacation and holiday?

Audrey Franklin: I actually got sick behind the shutdown, I
mean the mh kind. Congress should all be fired. Voters out there please do not
vote for these old white men to keep their jobs. Congress needs to really feel
what we felt during the shutdown, i mean having no money and no food and us out
here liveing from paycheck to paycheck.
Oct. 7 at 2:31 p.m. - Via Facebook

Alison Stewart: Please tell me how DoD expects us to work,
but we will not get paid until after the shutdown? #Ridiculousness
Oct. 7 at 1:35 p.m. - Via Twitter

dale: @FedNewsRadio a law needs to be passed that if this
happens again no one works. i am starting to feel like ned beatty in
deliverance
Oct. 7 at 9:04 a.m. - Via Twitter

Anonymous: It is disgusting that a few highly paid
radical, selfish members of congress put the entire country at risk (think Roman
Empire?)

How nice they will pay back furloughed government employees after they lose their
credit ratings, homes and other assets. What about the contractors, and
businesses that have had to cut back and lay off employees.

Congress should not be allowed to be paid, nor have any monies from their
investments. All monies should be placed in a fund to pay those they hurt.
Items to be voted on should not be allowed to be attached to any other item. Term
Limits must be begun and no special treatment, such as better insurance, benefits
etc. than any other federal employee.
Oct. 7 at 7:29 a.m. - Via Email

Fritz: Back pay has been approved for furloughed federal
workers, so why isn't everybody back at work? Mr. Hagel the Defense Secretary is
bringing most workers back, the question is why isn't everybody back? Are
management heads on vacation, send the pawns of Congress back to work. We haven't
done anything wrong except vote for some of the knuckleheads running our country
into the ground. They first robbed "Social Security" and other retirement systems
to pay for their questionable agenda and now after starting to print "Monopoly
Money" to feed their game of waste and abuse they've dumped on taxpayers and
workers. When will it all stop, with a revolution, God forbid I hope not?
Oct. 7 at 4:43 a.m. - Via Email

Deborah Murphy: Congress needs to pass a bill that
Government employees should continue to work if the government shutdown. Congress
needs to stop making Federal workers pay for their disagreements.
Oct. 6 at 9:56 a.m. - Via Facebook

Anonymous: While I do not enjoy my prospects as a
furloughed Fed, I do understand why we've come to this. Our government has spent
itself into oblivion. Promising the citizenry that it will just take a little bit
of tax here and there and will use that money to take care of our fellow man's
needs in perpetuity... outside the government they call those illegal schemes
Ponzi, and they are doomed to fail those who pay in at the end. No man deserves
the fruits of another's labor, and we are not even asking generations who just
began to vote and beyond to support the living expenses of those who just happened
to be born before them. It is reprehensible that our government continues to
obfuscate the issues of entitlement programs, and it is damnable that we the
people -who ought to know better- have become so selfish that we won't pay the
price for this folly now and spare our future generations a life of socialized
servitude. It is inexcusable and these younger generations will not treat their
elders so kindly because they have placed a very uncertain future upon them out of
their own deliberate greed. I say to the GOP and all members of our federal
government to take the long view, quit trying to plug the cracks in the damn and
lets just fix this now before we have no choice but to let the damn fail. And to
all those Fed employees who are worried about their immediate needs... Stop
feeling sorry for yourself, tell your congressional representatives that you
demand they stop funding programs that are unsustainable and creating more
government dependents. We have reached the tipping point, where there are more
people on entitlement and welfare programs than there are productive supporting
them - and more than half of the US budget goes to support those entitlement
programs and it is growing exponentially every year --this cannot continue! It's
time to admit once and for all the government cannot manage the needs of its
people without choosing winners and losers and hurting us all in the process.
Social security should have made that very clear, and the majority of the US knows
the ACA is doomed to fail us as well. Stop the madness, let's make the hard calls
now and get this right while we still have the means to do so. We cannot solve
these issues in crisis mode.
Oct. 5 at 9:06 p.m. - Via Email

John: First let me begin by saying I am angry. To date
I'm unaffected by the current shutdown nor have I been sequester furloughed. I
continue to work. That, however, has no bearing on what I am feeling. I am
outraged. Congress is a bunch of self serving, preening narcissists who are
acting like spoiled children who get a trophies just for signing up for little
league. Their oath of office has been cast aside in their never ending bid to be
re-elected. They have no regard for the citizens of their country except on or
near election day. I say this in all honesty, "if one person is harmed, one
person dies, one more family loses their home as a result of this shutdown, then
the entire lot of Congress should be brought up on charges of treason". My anger
is not about closing National Parks. I am angry about the effects on NIH, the CDC
among other agencies and the consequences suffered by decent hard working
Americans who deserve more than to be pushed aside by these demagogues. I am angry
because sequestered Federal employees who after taking it on the chin via unpaid
furloughs are subjected to another flogging at the whim of a Congress so out of
touch with reality that they should be sent packing.

Members of Congress have not only turned their backs on the citizens of America
but are now doing harm to those who pay their salaries. Congress calls Social
Security an entitlement? What I and the rest of this country are entitled to is a
working, functioning Government. What happened to "a government of the people, by
the people, for the people shall not perish…? Congress hasn't perished, they've
disappeared.
Oct. 4 at 9:40 a.m. - Via Email

Duncan Giles: I would but it's tough for me to take a pic
while I'm banging my head on my desk at home in frustration.
Oct. 4 at 8:32 a.m. - Via Twitter

Anonymous: At specific moments in US history, an
individual
steps up to the problem, shows leadership and leads the nation through critical
times. Now, I am sad to say, we have elected leaders, but we have no leadership.
Actually, we got what we asked for, we voted for posers, lemmings, spin doctors
and in several cases comedians. Our duly elected representatives have forgotten
the concept of democracy and, for their own bipartisan gain, have decided to tear
the nation in two. So, in a world of sound bites, here are three that should be
remembered:

- "A house divided cannot stand." - Abraham Lincoln 16 Jun 1858 - and he went to
war to preserve a united nation.

- "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George
Santayana 16 December 1863

- The first line of the Constitution states "We the people of the United
States...". It does not say "We the party.."
Oct. 4 at 8:22 a.m. - Via Email

Anonymous: I can't begin to explain how the economy has
affected my growth as an American and as a young person. In the last five years,
I've dealt with layoffs and two furloughs. I'm under 35 and I don't own a home, I
can't afford to have children, I live at home to save money and out of fear of
events like what happened on Monday.

Before becoming a gov't employee I was a school teacher and I truly loved my job
and before I could get tenure, I was laid off. I lost everything, my bills piled
up, my car was almost repossessed and I nearly got evicted out of my apt. I felt
the best and the safest choice was to take a job with the federal gov't.

Within 2 years I got out of debt, aside from my student loan and I got my life
back on track. And now two furloughs within a year and I honestly don't know how
I'm going to pay my bills in the coming months. I'm scared I may lose everything
all over again. I've never been fired from a job or had any disciplinary problems,
but the economy and congress don't care about that. I suffer regardless of how
hard I work. I went to college, I have three college degrees, one of them is a
Master's degree. I finally bought a vehicle that I truly love, I'm trying to
advance in my career, but congress and this economy doesn't care.

I'm a black female who has never been on public assistance, both of my parents are
retired, I went to college to better myself. I never imagined all the days I was
writing research papers, carrying my heavy back pack across my college campus,
that I would do all of that hard work, so congress could snatch it all away,
whenever they felt like it. As a young American I cannot buy a home and settle in
and contribute to the economy. It saddens me because I want to be a productive
citizen, I want to contribute and enjoy the liberties that so many before me, died
for.

I would like my email entry to be anonymous, I hope this gives you a glimpse of
how the shutdown has affected me.
Oct. 4 at 7:10 a.m. - Via Email

Joanne: I am recently retired after 36-1/2 years.

The devastation my family & I went through

After Superstorm Sandy forced my decision to retire early. Also the fact that
it appeared with no cola raises for three years straight that congress was trying
to balance things on the backs of ONLY the federal employee.

So I retired and am thankful I missed the furlough and now the new government
shutdown (furlough) imposed on my peers in DoD that I left behind. I am very
grateful as my pension payments on 1st of the month are not affected.

I am furious at what congress is doing to the federal employees. I am furious at
the inefficiencies of congress.

This is so, so wrong.

A new law needs to be put in place that Congress also should not get paid during
any shutdown. Things must change!

Sequestration is the big problem and for a few years they have just kicked the
problem further into the future and have not addressed and resolved it. The time
is now.
Oct. 4 at 6:34 a.m. - Via Email

Fritz S.: Hello Fellow Citizens,

It's worrisome that federal agencies have furloughed people like aviation safety
inspectors and medical clinics on federal sites. Safety personnel would seem to be
logically the last people you would furlough. Oh well, I guess the thinking of
those in charge is we'll just ramp up the printing presses at the Treasury and
print some more funny money backed by more paper when it's over. I would imagine
they store these bonds at Fort Knox. I hope they don't cut the fire insurance
there too!
Oct. 4 at 5:55 a.m. - Via Email

Anonymous: As a 37 year government employee, I am
tremendously sad for the government shut down. I have always been proud to be a
government employee and have encouraged others to consider a job in federal
service. I have a master's degree and could make more money in private industry,
but I have never considered making the switch. The reason for my steadfast
service to the government is that I along with so many of the other federal
employees who go to work every day, we are dedicated, patriotic, loyal citizens
who consider working for the government an honor and a privilege. I am still
proud to be a government employee, but that pride comes from my own self-
motivation not from the actions of my elected officials. Government employees
have been "thrown under the bus" by our elected officials. We have been vilified
by our elected officials and have been treated as second class citizens. We have
watched while our pay has been frozen for going on four years now, our health care
and retirement benefits have been debated and threatened and we have been blamed
for the government's financial problems. I am so sad for my fellow federal
employees and for my government. I love my country, I love our freedom and I love
our constitution. I think if our founding fathers could view the behavior of our
current members of the Senate and Congress, they would be appalled. Our form of
government was designed with checks and balances and required our elected
officials to be able to compromise. It's called a "win-win" situation, you give a
little and I give a little. If our elected officials were little children, I
would send them all to their rooms until they behaved. I don't see any incentive
for our Senate and Congress to do the jobs they were elected to do so long as they
keep receiving their pay checks. I think new laws should be passed which tie
their paychecks to the completion of the budget each year. Hold up their pay
until they do their jobs. My elected officials don't think that I as a government
employee deserve may pay and I as a government employee don't think that they
deserve their pay. By the way, at $174,000, they get paid a lot more money than I
do. I would also like to encourage my fellow federal employees to not give up
hope. We will get through this. God bless you all! -- From a federal
employee
Oct. 4 at 5:42 a.m. - Via Email

Anonymous: Regrettably national politics has regressed to
the level of condo politics. The typical rare condo owners who vote are oblivious
to the obvious and continuously reelect similar minded representatives. Elected
Congressional Officials will recognize their fiduciary responsibilities when
incumbent officials are voted out regularly from office.
Oct. 3 at 9:10 p.m. - Via Email

Jimmie Campbell: We need to recall all politicians in each
state. The president should be a big man, act presidential, and negotiate this. He
should not take sides, but he does it on every issue, whether asked or not. I
repeat, every last one of them, including Obama should face a recall. We need to
unite to show these buffoons in DC that they work for US!
Oct. 3 at 8:30 p.m. - Via Facebook

Leonard A Wade: As a registered Republican, I VOTED for
Obama in the 08,and 12 election, why you asked? Well lets look at who he was up
against soooo you would rather I voted for ONE of them?? Put somebody thats worth
voting for on the next ballet.Think Ronald Reagan before you put somebody on that
ballet. Now bayner I think it's time YOU put the Government back together and
let's all get on with our lives.

The incident that happened today I hope no one died because Im sure its related.
If not today are you waiting on that poor government worker to commit suicide
because they are fed up.DO you want that on your HEAD? It probably would not
bother you at all since you don"t seem to think what you are doing to millions of
people, and I don;t have to tell you that since they are.

I ADVISE YOU TO STEP DOWN RIGHT NOW!!!"
Oct. 3 at 5:19 p.m. - Via Email

Anonymous: I have been employed at the NIH for 23 years.
Monday was my last day in Federal Service. I moved up my retirement so as not to
be left hanging in this mess. Sequestration, daily insults in the press and
questionable management of my program were already taking a serious toll on me and
my colleagues. I am lucky I had a chance to get out. And who is really suffering
- the public who depend on NIH to advance the health of the nation.
Oct. 3 - Via Email

Anonymous: This is about the Government Shutdown. You are
playing with peoples' lives. People were so upset Tuesday, crying; mad, angry etc.
about what is
happening to them. You wonder why people go off the deep end-they are being
punished for something that IS NOT THEIR fault because you have people bullying
each other to get their way. This is wrong on so many levels. You are pushing hard
working people to a breaking point, weather we get paid or not, it's the
uncertainly they are living with. Why can't we stop people in DC from getting
paid??? They can stop us. People can't pay their rent/mortgage, electric, water,
gas etc. They have babies, kids, but really do you really care???? I wish this
could be read to the so called "people" (I have another name to call them) but
like everything else it won't be heard. I've worked for the Federal Government for
35 years, and I have NEVER been so disappointed and ashamed of the Government
until now.
Oct. 3 - Via Email

Jane Herndon: This partial shutdown is the culmination of
years of Federal employee bashing. Much has been done to portray all Federal
workers as useless, underhanded, overpaid, and unnecessary. And a large segment of
the American public has bought into those stereotypes. Unfortunately, Congress and
the President figured out how to shutdown government while ensuring Americans who
would ultimately howl the loudest would be placated - that is why social security,
Veterans benefits, and DOD have all been able to continue. The rest of us are
considered collateral damage in the game of political chicken going on in
Washington, DC. I have worked in the private sector before and have now been a
Federal employee for about 17 years. I worry about the ability to recruit and
retain a new generation of Federal employees to carry on the important work of
government in serving the needs of Americans. Hard to tell younger people that
civil service is a great thing. As for this furlough, I have already budgeted for
30 days of no paycheck, because I do not see this ending before October 18 or
later. The other cruel irony in all this is employees who run into financial
hardship might be able to weather it if they could access money they socked away
in their TSP. But because there is no budget for agencies to pay their employees
(hence no paychecks), employees are barred from taking out a loan against their
retirement funds because there is no way to arrange for repayment through payroll
deduction. The hits just keep coming.
Oct. 3 at 11:30 a.m. - Via Facebook

dale: @FedNewsRadio cry me a river..I guess they get a tax
deduction for that. also that does fed. employees a lot of good.
Oct. 3 at 8:13 a.m. - Via Twitter

Anonymous: Three years of no pay increases. Several days
off due to sequestration. Now I'm a pawn in a high stakes staredown over an
unrelated topic. I'm a 16 year civil servant and am currently a technical
recruiter. It's going to be really hard to look some newly graduated engineer in
the eye and tell them that I recommend a life of service to your country. It's
just sad.
Oct. 3 - Via Email

Chris Martinez: It's a joke that these politicians think
that giving their pay to charities will help. Really?? Their giving it to
charities that give them votes & support them. Give it up so we the federal
workers can get back to work not your damned charities. You politicians are just
criminals no better than the ones on the street. The President & Congress should
be impeached & given the boot straight up their rear. The make amendments to laws
set by the forefathers of this country to cover themselves. They do dirty deals
with other countries & are always back dooring to push through what they want.
President & Congress YOUR NOT GOD!!! You will atone for all of this. Get off your
soap boxes & do the F'ing job your sitting there still getting paid to do. I
worked hard & put up & still dealing with discrimination in the govt to be able to
get my home. I will not lose it & everything I own because of you criminals.
Oct. 3 at 8 a.m. - Via Facebook

Anonymous: Mr. President,

I'm appalled at the immaturity MY government is displaying to the American people
and the world! The Republicans, Democrats, and YOU should all be ashamed of
yourselves. You were elected to work together and come to reasonable consensus on
establishing the freedoms and liberties described in the United States
Constitution! Our founding fathers worked hard to free us from the tyranny of the
English Monarchy and now we appear to be right back where we started. America was
established on God's laws and the Bible to enable its people to have freedom FROM
government intervention. Now it appears we, the American People, (not you or
congress) are being held "hostage." From where I see it, YOU are the one holding
the process "hostage" when you say you will not negotiate "Obama Care!" This law
was passed with no time for lawmakers to fully read and understand it and then you
have over-stepped your authority by picking and choosing how it is implemented?!
It's not the Republicans who are keeping negotiations from happening, it's the
Presidency! In the meantime, all I hear in the news is how 15% of the population
NEEDS this healthcare. No one is talking about the 85% of us who will pay for it
through raised taxes! Most of that 15% don't want the health insurance because
they can't pay for it. Additionally, this minority group also do not work or pay
taxes to begin with. I though Americans were free to choose? This is another
gross example of how you and the Democrats want to take hard-working Americans'
money and distribute it to those who don't work or pay taxes! In the meantime,
over 800,000 federal employees (like me) are sitting at home on furlough without
getting paid because the Government hasn't passed a budget on-time since you took
office! I would be fired for such incompetence! Since we are the tax payers to
begin with, how do you intend to pay for your socialist agenda and healthcare?
Bottom line, I don't blame the Republican, Democrats, or even you for this debacle
you brought on; I blame the American voters! They should have fired ALL of you
(President and Congress) during the last election. My hope and prayer is that
they remember to do that starting in the upcoming election in November! Please
stop the bickering and get the job done so we can get back to work and earn our
paychecks to pay our bills!

Anonymous: As a federal employee working for the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), I am shocked that politics is more important than
safety. I am an aviation safety inspector (ASI), and I along with 4,5000 other
ASI's have been furloughed.

My job and the job of my cohorts is to ensure the safety of aviation. For the
first time in 40 years of flying, I do not want any of my family members to fly on
a commercial airplane because with the furlough, there is no oversight of these
commercial operators.

People forget there is more to the FAA than Air Traffic Controllers. The FAA not
only employs skilled aviation professionals who inspect airplanes and the pilots
who fly these airplanes, but the FAA employs technicians who repair the radars the
controllers rely on, they repair vital navigation systems and other highly
advanced electronics. Without these aviation safety professionals the safety of
the aviation system suffers.

I have watched the politics and am horrified that people elected to serve their
district/state and the country, have put self-interests and the interests of a few
wealthy individuals ahead of what is right for this country.

This government shut down is not about money or the debt or the size of
government. It is about POWER. Pure and simple. POWER.

I am a registered Republican. Oops! I meant I was. Out of disgust for the
antics of this party, I have changed party affiliations to that of Independent. I
cannot tolerate what has happened because 40 people in this party have decided
serving Grover Norquist is more important than serving the people and this
country.

As an ASI, I have been told I still need to follow agency guidelines for any
employment outside of the FAA, even though I am furloughed. This makes it tough
for me and my family. I have not been given any guidance on filing for
unemployment, nor what resources are available to me and my family while I am
furloughed. Heck, we were not even given the code for our agency if I file for
unemployment.

My pay has been frozen, my health insurances has gone up, and because I am in a
crappy pay system called core comp I do not get step increases. I cannot leave
the government employment because of my age and cannot go back to industry.

I am probably better off than many of my cohorts because I saw this train wreck
coming. But my savings is disappearing and I have been working long hours for
reduced pay. My pay in effect has been cut and being furlough hurts. Hurts a
lot,

But as I look at the root cause of why we are at a government shut down I find the
root cause is us, the people. We elected these people in congress. We the people
screwed up. Instead of listening, reading, and looking up facts and figures for
ourselves, we have watched Dancing with the Stars, read Facebook, and believed
every word Fox News has said about the Democrats. We the people don't vote, and
could care less about politics. We whine about the latest iPhone not working
right but say nothing about our government not working right.

During the great depression in the 1930's the arguments wet "government is too
big", and the struggle was with wealthy people who did not want to be taxed. Same
issues today only different year and people not being lead by strong leaders.

Until people get involved and understand the real issues nothing will change.
Oct. 3 - Via Email

Rafael Abreu: Using #furlough time for positive reconnect
with family. Interesting how much U miss while at work
Oct. 2 at 3:11 p.m. - Via Twitter

Anonymous: Congress reminds me of a bunch of kids that
haven't gotten their way. They have tried a number of times to stop "Obamacare"
without success. The only thing they have accomplished is proving that they are
using their Congressional Seat to only advance their own objectives not the whole
of the American people. I am embarrassed and ashamed of Congress. Oh, and by the
way, I have good insurance, but I know quite a few families that don't and are
looking at all the insurance possibilities that are being offered.
Oct. 2 - Via Email

Rob: Neither party likes us. It just so happens that some
in the GOP opening voice their feelings. The Dems show their hatred in non-verbal
ways like freezing our pay or giving us crappy raises. The current shutdown could
only happen with the action or inaction of both parties. The bottom line is this
could have been avoided if people weren't misled in 2009 when the ACA was sold to
the American people. This bill would have been dead on arrival if the American
people were told the truth in 2009. Imagine if we were told that we might not be
able to keep our current health plan or doctor, that our full-time job could be
converted to part-time, that our premiums might go up $2500 not down, that the
cost of the ACA would not be $900 billion as promised, but instead over $2
trillion. Considering the bill only passed the House by 5 votes and the Senate by
1 (of course it only passed the Senate after a couple of Dems were promised money
for their home states) there's no way the ACA would have passed had the truth been
told.
Oct. 2 - Via Shutdown soundoff comment

Anonymous: It's appalling to me how some branches of our
Government feel they do not have to negotiate. They are insinuating that the lower
house should just draft the bill that they are told to and the other branches will
then sign it. What is this, a dictatorship? Those branches feel that Congress
should "fund the bills they have already approved", seemingly without regard to
whether the country can still afford them or not. Well, when you quadruple the
deficit in (4) years you need to start defunding some things and let them go. It
is neither prudent nor wise to continue spending when you continually grow the
deficit and continue to have to raise the debt ceiling.

Is anybody awake up there?

I have an interview with a private firm next week. Some say it would be throwing
away 25 years of service but I say it would be improving my self-respect and
dignity on which I cannot put a price.
Oct. 2 - Via Email

Louanna Owens Castleman: The pretentious aristocratic
representatives (house and senate) are arguing over ObamaCare and the largest
group being penalized DOES NOT EVEN NEED OBAMA CARE ---- FEDERAL WORKERS!!!!
Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. - Via Facebook

Glidehoyas: I'm sure you don't want to see photo's they
can be very frightening lol...i'm not sending any ...
Oct. 2, 1:53 p.m. - Via Twitter

Joseph: I'd rather shut down all the parks & museums then
have the Federal Government grab more power thru the Socialist Obamacare.
Oct. 2, 9:47 a.m. - Via Twitter

Paul Ruehs: The Tea Party is carrying out the will of their
people.
They hate the federal government and federal workers and hope to destroy both. The
sad thing is that we are letting them get away with it.
Oct. 2 at 8 a.m. - Via Facebook

Barbara Caballero: Frustrated, uncertain, unappreciated. Do
my job for a few days before you make declarations that show your lack of
knowledge. Generic statements promote anger, lack of understanding and fear.
Oct. 2 at 4:47 a.m. - Via Facebook

Anonymous: One word "Recall". Let us have recall votes on
all of Congress and the Senate. This is ridiculous. They are all acting like
little kids and NONE of them are representing the people that elected them. It's
all about a political party these days. Let us have new elections and get someone
placed into office that may represent the citizens.
Oct. 2 - Via Email

Cris Martinez: What the hell can I do! Stupid question. I'm
the lowest grade in my org & living pay to pay & a single parent with bills & a
mortgage. I've eliminated everything since 2010 prior to frozen pay that I could &
have nothing else I can eliminate. The check I get now which will go 1/2 to
mortgage & rest to bank to pay back the over draft cycle I'm in to stay afloat. So
you, someone tell me what the hell am I supposed to be doing? Really??
Oct. 1 at 9 p.m. - Via Facebook

Debbie Mihalow: This is supposed to be a government of the
people, not
special interest. I was many of the thousands who had to go into the office today
and sign forms, set up email notifications and voice mail. There were hundreds
there without one normal smile, either they were crying or extremely angry. I am
among the many who have a family to support and to go without a paycheck is just
not feasible for my family. The mortgage, car payments and expenses plus we do
need to eat. What are we supposed to do? Everyone needs to remember all of this
come election time and they ALL need to go!
Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. - Via Facebook

Kaellen LaMonte: Congress needs to be not paid and force to
feed out of
the same feed of the poor!
Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. - Via Facebook

Anonymous: I have been a federal agent for the past 22+
years and I have been around long enough to see the tough times come and go, that
are the direct result of politically manufactured events such as the one all
federal employees are currently being subjected to.

The difference this time around for me is my tolerance for it. During my career
in law enforcement I have been shot at, slapped, punched , kicked, spit upon and
called every name in the book, and while its not pleasant to experience these
things, I expect it to a certain degree. What I don't expect is that politicians,
who stood and took the same oath that I did, can barely talk the talk, much less
walk the walk, in carrying out the duties that each pledged they would come to
Washington to fulfill, the President included.

I can only imagine how long ago I would have either been reprimanded or removed
from my job, had I failed to carry out the duties that I had been appointed to do,
had I behaved in a manner consistent with that of the Congress or the President.
I would have faced an OPR inquiry and been summarily dismissed for dereliction of
duty.

It is hard to come in to work each day knowing that there are different sets of
rules applied to members of Congress and the President, than rank and file Federal
employees, and that they can accomplish virtually nothing, except for gridlock,
and continue to be paid, enjoying attractive pensions and lifetime health benefits
after just one term in their respective offices.

Not much else to say other than completely disgusted ...
Oct. 1 - Via Email

Cris Martinez: Really? It's straight BS!!! They should be
put out all of them to include the president & all his people. Oct. 1 at 9:05 p.m.
- Via Facebook

Kaellen LaMonte: People can volunteer help at local school
church or
community organization or county or state offices and just feel helpful!
Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. - Via Facebook

John Haberman: Late in his life my dad stated that the
voters need to
both remind and emphasize to the congresspersons that they are elected to both
make the country a better place and to represent their constituents. His solution,
which is even more appropriate now, is that for the next 4 to 6 election cycles,
vote out the incumbents no matter how good they might be. They all need to be
taught that they represent the voters and are not there to force their personal
values onto everyone and get rich in the process.
Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. - Via Facebook

bigfootmd: I think if one federal employee
is furoughed-
I am a career IT professional with the IRS. On Sunday 9/29 I celebrated the 27th
anniversary of my employment with the IRS. However, unlike most years I did not
feel a sense of satisfaction or accomplishment. Instead I found myself a little
depressed and worried. This was in no doubt caused by the looming Shutdown. Yes, I
have been through this before (17 years ago) however, this time around the world
is different. In 1995/96 I was just a Civil Servant who couldn't go to work for a
week or so because of a funding problem. Now I am viewed as an evil, vilified, do
nothing, wasteful and greedy worker by about 225 people who we elected to serve in
the Congress (the Republicans). I am tired of being bashed by the republicans in
the media. I have worked for 27 years to serve the IRS and my fellow Citizens. I
earn every dollar I am paid. Unlike many on the Hill I don't get GIFTS from rich
Corporations or Lobbyists. Instead I pay my own way. Since January I have
contributed $1500 to the Federal Employees Education and Assistance Fund in spite
of the fact that I was furloughed from my job for three days. I am fortunate that
by being frugal that I have an emergency fund that I can use to help pay my bills
during this shutdown. But, I am astounded that Congress still gets paid when they
didn't do their jobs which primarily is to pass a budget. So, even when this
shutdown ends with a temporary CR we Federal Employees will have to go through
another nail biting period wondering if there will be a new CR and for how long.
If I ran my finances like the congress handles the budget I would have ended up on
the streets years ago. Wake up and do your Jobs.
Oct. 1 - Via Shutdown soundoff comment

Jen Russell: I hope the Senate rejects the new House bill
to reopen the
parks. I agree with the previous poster...shut it ALL down and let the pressure
build. The pissed off park tourists keep us in the news.
Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. - Via Facebook

Lisa Ranji: At the next election - and every one thereafter
- fire each
and every member of Congress who took a 5 week vacation instead of working to
avoid this shutdown.
Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. - Via Facebook

Another Fed Up Fed: I've been a Federal Employee for 27
years. I started working at the Internal Revenue Service 2 months after I
graduated from college. I believe my job is a way to serve my country and I have
been proud to serve. However, the last few years have been the most stressful and
demoralizing years of my career. I've had to deal with pay freezes, the mess with
the tax-exempt organization division at the IRS where all 90,000+ employees were
deemed guilty (even though most of us had nothing to do with it), the fiscal
cliff, sequestration and furloughs. The way I do my job has changed dramatically
due to the budget situation. Now the government is shut down for who knows how
long.

I really can't express a political opinion publicaly, but I'd rather be furloughed
than have the Senate give in to the House of Representatives. Healthcare Reform
is law - deal with it. It has been passed, signed, and withstood a Court
challenge. They say opinion polls want it overturned. I don't think people
really understand the provisions of the law - they understand what has been fed to
them in the media. I think people will have a different opinion if they take the
time to learn about the law and what it really means. The House has been so
obsessed with making the President look bad they just look like whiney kids who
are not getting their way. They want to take their baseball and gloves and sit in
their house and not let anybody play. My message to the house is this - Get over
yourselves and grow up - if you don't like parts of the law, work on those, but
don't shut the whole country down because you don't like the President.
Oct. 1 at 4:05 p.m. - Via Email

Robert Lavelle: Working Government contracting --- I'm
taking time to chill. Haven't had a day off in two months.
Oct 1 at 4 p.m. - Via Facebook

Robert Lavelle: ACA? Not if they have FEHB Plan.
Oct. 1, 4 p.m. - Via Facebook

Geoffrey Miller: Feeling like being a politician or on
welfare might be a better option: apparently both don't make functional decisions
and get rewarded for doing nothing. Oct. 1 at 3:45 p.m. - Via Facebook

Linda Sutherland: The prez and senate approved military
pay. Is the civilian any less deserving? Who puts the rifle in the soldier's hand,
who provides him a tent, food, clothing, maintenance for his weapon and training
to do it himself. How many civilians work to keep the soldier working. Should we
not be paid? How can withholding my pay be legal? Oct. 1 at 1:48 p.m. - Via Facebook

Paula McQuade: It stinks. I live in a town that saw an oil
boom and a flood. The cost of everything around here has almost doubled. No pay
raises for how long now, six days of lost pay over the sumer and now this! The GOP
has gone too far. Oct. 1 at 1:27 p.m. - Via Facebook

John Topoleski: almost everything should be shut down. If
FAA and air traffic control was shut down, probably wouldn't be too long before
Congress felt the heat.
Yesterday at 11:15 a.m. - Via Facebook

Lynne Bates: PEOPLE CANT PAY THEIR BILLS AND PUT FOOD ON
THE TABLE - DONT YOU GET IT!
Oct. 1 at 11:09 a.m. - Via Facebook

Lynne Bates: If I'm not working I don't get paid. Seems to
me it only
fair - Congress you are not working and/or doing your job - time to not get paid
either! Cough up 20% of your salary for the first round of furloughs - donating it
to charity doesn't count. 1st your word is worthless so I cant trust that you will
do as you say; and 2nd you get a tax write-off. And now you should not even draw a
salary - just like the rest of us.
Oct. 1 at 11:08 a.m. - Via Facebook

Geoffrey Miller: It's a political circus act. I would like
to see the dual TV show with Congress and Senate hosted by Donald Trump... We'll
call it "The Political Apprentice"... It would be fun seeing him say "You're
Fired!" to them. For me this time will be used for course work toward the PhD,
studies for the NCHEC-MCHES exam on the 15th and well sleeping in before PTing.
Oct. 1 at 11:08 a.m. - Via Facebook

Anonymous: I wonder why everyone is talking about the
failure to get a CR when the discussion should be about the lack of a budget since
2007. This is a much bigger story. The US Constitution requires it but how do
you punish Congress for its failure? While Federal civilian workers historically
are paid for their days off nothing requires it. Of course some people live pay
check to pay check and that would seem the worst impact for them. It is
unfortunate Congressmen get paid in the face of their failure. Their pay should
stop and not be paid retroactively. That might help change things but it would
only be a minor inconvenience to most Congressmen who are generally wealthy.
Oct. 1 - Via Email

Scott Dingwall: Our politicians need to be FIRED! Hold new
elections and start with new Legislative and Executive branches!!! Judicial branch
will fall in line from example.
Oct. 1 at 10:53 a.m. - Via Facebook

Joey Zuraski: #DearCongress Shut up and sign the Senate
Bill. Your bickering is annoying to hear. The 7% Unemployed and Low-Employed
People need Obamacare. People need the Government to be opened. Sign it and get
back to work.Oct. 1 at 10:49 a.m. - Via Facebook

Jacqueline Golding Brown: yep, all I can do is sit and
wait, I'm sure it will only be a few days to a week tops.
Oct. 1 at 9:43 a.m. - Via Facebook

Chad Mullis: It's the 536 characters pretending to lead
the
country that makes today so sorry, so ugly
Oct. 1, 9:42 a.m. - Via Twitter

Linda Dehoyos: If we don't get paid, then no one gets paid,
why are
they more important them me, family of 5 two working parents, live a very modest
life, and still Struggling, do I pay my lights or heat my home
Oct. 1 at 9:40 a.m. - Via Facebook

Lillian Villanueva: Can't do much but sit and wait. Hoping
we'll be able to pay out bills
Oct. 1 at 9:32 a.m. - Via Facebook

Mary A. Gruszka: I plan to keep working at the prison
without pay.
Oct. 1 at 9:28 a.m. - Via Facebook

Mirena Heigh: I'm a contractor and because of this shutdown
I am out of
work. Every member of Congress should sacrifice their paychecks until the
government reopens. It makes no sense that they are still allowed to get paid
while myself and thousands of fed employees and contractors have to figure out how
our bills will get paid or how food is going to be put on the table.
Oct. 1 at 9:25 a.m. - Via Facebook

Marie Colitti Riggle: I think if one federal employee
is furoughed-
EVERY ONE of them should be. This includes the POTUS, SCOTUS, Congress, Aides,
etc. EVERY ONE of us/them. No one should be exempt. If that were the case, this
would never occur.
Oct. 1 at 9:20 a.m. - Via Facebook